The Lutetia, a landmark on the Left Bank, has just closed. This prestigious venue, historically linked to art and music, was home to Joséphine Backer, Hemingway and many other talented personalities.
Founded in 1910 by Madame Bocicaut, the establishment has forged a reputation for itself. An international place where creativity has been put to the fore, it has asserted itself year after year.
Through interesting partnerships with renowned and up-and-coming designers, signature rooms were born. One by one, each of these rooms has been redesigned by an artist, and has had an early impact on the evolution of the hotel.
Le Lutetia was a pioneer in integrating art into the daily lives of its customers. From the oldest signature rooms to the latest ephemeral ones, each was a moment of art. A moment when immersed in a different universe, customers could easily experience art. The David Lynch Suite was particularly moving in this respect.
The director’s addicts could have the ultimate conviction of being their host. The lithographs produced by the artist at Atelier Idem in Paris featured prominently. They distilled a different atmosphere. A sculpture, almost a totem pole, punctuated the space with its ramifications.
Every detail added a note of exception, every detail helped immerse you in its creative perception…. captivated.
More recently, the ephemeral Suite Paradis
reflects the creativity of Chinese artist Zhou Yi.
Through various creations (delicately hand-painted curtains, videos, etc.), the young woman was forging a path between art and fashion.
Some of the more ‘Lutetian’ addicts were worried about the future of the establishment. Entrusted to the care of the Israeli Alrov Group (Alrov Luxury Group) since its takeover in August 2010, its future seems perfectly assured. Now that the old Lutetia has closed its doors, the advent of the new one in three years’ time should satisfy many.
It will then become part of The Set collection of luxury hotels. JM Wilmotte was called in to meet the exacting standards of these hotels’ customers. The challenge is to integrate Art Deco and Art Nouveau style with contemporary design. Some changes are to be expected. For JM Wilmotte, this is a no-brainer,
‘Le Lutetia is an extraordinary mythical place. To revive its splendor and turn it into a 21st century hotel according to the criteria of ‘The Set’, the Art Deco and Art Nouveau architectural elements of the past will be married with contemporary design.
From now on, La Brasserie will offer 240 covers, and its original ceiling height will be restored. A patio will be created in the center of the hotel, replacing the salon Ernest. A jazz club is planned. A library will adjoin it, to encourage literary encounters.
The Suites themselves will be redesigned and enlarged. A 700 m2 Spa should satisfy the enthusiasm of hotel guests and happy Parisians alike.
The Lutetia’s aura and undeniable charm will be preserved. According to General Manager JL Cousty, ‘The project is splendid and will perfectly meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding international clientele. The Lutetia’s future influence on the Parisian hotel and artistic scene will be all the richer for it’.
Not to be missed, the auction of part of its heritage. The pieces will be on display from May 15 to 18, 2014, and the auction itself will last a week, from May 19 to May 25. The auction will be conducted by Pierre Bergé & Associés. Some 3,000 objets d’art and furniture items will be on offer. At the same time, 8,000 bottles of wine and spirits are expected to appeal to gourmets.
An ideal moment to acquire a little of this prestigious past, a quintessence of delicious moments…
A mythical place, a place in the making…
LE LUTETIA
45, Bd Raspail
75006 Paris
www.lutetia-paris.com
Photo credits, Le Lutetia, Sofia LAFAYE
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